I do read MG with the expectation that to a great extent it gives balance reporting. The coverage of the subjects and events is also quite wide. Therefore I was pained to see your
write up about Jamia
Hamdard, particularly when u compared the presnt administration with previous administrations. Your remarks give the impresion that Jamia Hamdard was suffering from maladministraion and infighting during all previous administrations. This sweeping statement without any explanation or justification is very very unfortunate. Institutions are build by the cumulative efforts and to discard this fact is unjust and unfair. There may be many good developments during the present regime; but to attribute all wrongs to previous regimes is not correct. It itself indicates a biased approach and preferential treatment in favour of individuals and groups. Please avoid it as such actions lead to groupism and consequential infighting.Khwaja Shahid, New Delhi
khwajashahid@hotmail.com

Editor: It is my belief that the good in the community should be brought out and dirty linen should not be washed in public. This has been our policy in MG all these years and this is why MG has some standing at home and abroad. But at times truth even if it hurts should be allowed to percolate for our own benefit.

The sentence to which you refer appeared at the end of the first page report in 16-29 February 2004 issue and said: "It is a matter of satisfaction for the Muslim community that Jamia Hamdard is progressing fast under the current administration after a period of rot and devastating internal politics during the previous administration."

The report does not say that all previous administrations were suffering from maladministration. It refers to "the previous administration", that is the preceding one headed by Prof Alauddin. What I have said is based on personal knowledge but I have not elaborated on purpose because I have no intention of washing the community's dirty linen in public...Please investigate and let me know if I am wrong. «